Given the popularity of last summer's series of
Getting Bent workshops, Chicago's
Experimental Sound Studio has again enlisted
Patrick McCarthy to lead another series of affordable workshops over the course of the summer of 2012. This year, in addition to the adult classes, we're offering a whole series of classes geared toward younger circuit benders, as well as informal 'Open Labs,' and an opportunity for students to show off their inventions at a culminating recital/expo.
In addition to the schedule below there are more details as to how to best prepare for the workshops on
Roth Mobot's Workshops page.
Sunday, June 17th, 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Introduction to Circuit Bending (Adults)*
Take apart an old toy and make a brand new musical instrument! No previous electronics experience is required!
Sunday, June 24th, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Introduction to Experimental Music & Instruments (Kids)
This workshop specifically designed for children ages 11 - 14 yrs. explores making your own musical instruments out of common household materials and how to create your own music on them.
Friday, June 29th, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Open Experimental Sound Lab
The ESS Open Experimental Sound Lab is the meeting place for experimental musicians of all ages to gather, work on their projects, and discuss their work.
Sunday, July 22nd, 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Introduction to Homemade Electroacoustics (Adults)
This workshop teaches the physics of a contact mic, the simplicity of its construction from reclaimed materials, and the basics of DIY electroacoustic instrument design and construction. No previous electronics experience is required!
Friday, July 27th, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Open Experimental Sound Lab
See above.
Sunday, July 29th, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Introduction to Homemade Electroacoustics (Kids)
Students ages 11- 14 will learn the basics of DIY (Do It Yourself) experimental electroacoustic musical instrument design and construction.
Sunday, August 19th, 1:00PM - 5:00PM
How to Build a Controller Oscillator (Adults)
learn how to read electronics schematics, how to assemble a homemade oscillator, and how to use it to control and trigger electronic devices.
Sunday, August 26th, 1:00PM - 5:00PM
How to Build a Vactrol Sequencer (Adults)
Various devices can be triggered in predictable (and sometimes unpredictable!) patterns using this simple circuit.
Friday, August 31, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Open Experimental Sound Lab Recital / Expo
This final Open Lab session will culminate in a recital of devices constructed over the summer by various participants of all ages. Other instruments will be on display in an interactive exposition wherein audience members can explore homemade experimental musical devices and their sounds.